Attorney George A. Scharmen
Founding Attorney
With decades of experience in trials involving DWI, DUI and intoxication cases, Criminal Law Expert, George Scharmen, has earned recognition as one of the most accomplished DWI lawyers in Texas and the United States.
George is a frequent lecturer in continuing legal education seminars including lawyers, judges and experts in Texas involving DWI litigation.
George is board certified in criminal law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, and has been since 1992.
- A Note about Board Certification by the Texas Board Of Legal Specialization To become Board Certified in Texas is VERY rare. You must have tried many cases, both State and Federal. Only about 7500 out of over 100,000 lawyers have become Board Certified by the Texas Board since 1972,. That means only the truly qualified and top lawyers in their field are ever certified. Only Board Certified lawyers are ethically allowed to call themselves an expert. Board Certified Lawyers are truly experts in their field.
George has taken the time to practice and achieve the designation of “Criminal Trial Specialist” by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. This designation requires not only jury trials, but it includes appeals as well. You must also be Board Certified in your State to even be considered for this expert designation. There are currently only 33 lawyers in Texas with this certification.
George Scharmen was recognized by Woodward White in Best Lawyers in America, one of the most prestigious peer-reviewed publications in the United States, as “one of the best DUI lawyers in America” in their publication “Best Lawyers in America” for the years 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023.
George has also been awarded by Woodward White and Best Lawyers in America as a DUI Lawyer of the Year for the San Antonio region in 2019, 2021 & 2023. George is the only lawyer in the area to receive this award.
George has been designated a Texas Super Lawyer by Thompson Reuters for 20 years, since the inception of the annual Super Lawyers list of lawyers. He has been the only DWI Super Lawyer in Bexar County for the years 2016-2019, and 2022.
George Scharmen is a founding member of the National College of DUI Defense.
George Scharmen is the founder and founding president of the San Antonio Criminal Defense Lawyers Association (SACDLA). George received the first ever “Defender of the Year” award by SACDLA in 2006.
George Scharmen is also a founding member and Past President of Texas DWI Lawyers Association.
Two Board Certifications
George has appeared in the Supreme Court of the United States, an honor held by very few lawyers.
He has conducted numerous appeals and oral arguments before the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, including en banc argument before the whole court of 15 Justices.
A search for “George Scharmen” in Google Scholar will reveal that George Scharmen has conducted more than 100 appeals in Texas and United States Courts.
In DWI litigation George received two of the most significant appellate opinions in DWI history in Texas: Hartman v. State and Mata v. State that greatly limited the evidence that the State prosecutors may use in DWI cases involving breath and blood tests. These cases no longer allow the State to give mere opinions about a person’s alcohol or drug levels. This type of evidence now requires the trial evidence from the prosecutor is limited to only scientifically reliable test results.

As a result of these cases, DWI trials have become scientific and technical tests of the prosecutors’ evidence. George Scharmen attended the Axion Lab course in gas chromatography in Chicago. Later with the assistance of a highly qualified PhD Toxicologist, George purchased the expensive laboratory equipment he was trained on and which is used by the testing labs in Texas. With this equipment George regularly taught lawyers how to understand the science and how to question the experts on their work.
I Know the Science Behind the Law
LABORATORY TEST
THROWN OUT
George has litigated DWI blood test cases involving both alcohol and drugs. With this powerful knowledge George was able to demonstrate to a court that the laboratory method of blood alcohol testing for the lab at the Bexar County Medical Examiner’s Office was false. The blood test was dropped by the court.
STATE’S DRUG EVIDENCE
THROWN OUT
– NOT GUILTY
In a DWI drug case George was able to demonstrate that the State’s evidence of drugs in the defendant’s blood was unreliable, and after a five day trial, the jury found the defendant not guilty.
STATE’S LABORATORY
SHOWN TO FALSELY ALLEGE A DRUG
– CASE DROPPED
In a felony intoxication assault case, George showed to the jury that the laboratory did not even own the necessary equipment that it needed to prove the actual drug that was alleged by the State to be present in the defendant’s blood. The jury could not find him guilty, and that case was dropped.

George has dedicated his career to DWI defense and has become one of the most respected and highly awarded DWI Lawyers in Texas.
I enjoy learning about the science involved in DWI defense and maintaining current knowledge of case law and common daily practices in courts. However, my client’s futures, feelings, and fears are on my mind constantly. I encourage my clients to meet with me whenever it is necessary to resolve issues in life that are caused by these unfortunate events arising out of being faced with a DWI charge.
Client Reviews
★★★★★ Great Lawyer
I retained the Law Offices of George Scharmen to handle my case & I was very impressed by his law firm & the time they spent on my case. He was able to get my case dismissed!! I highly recommend this law firm.
Felisha
★★★★★ George Scharmen has been a blessing in my life
I am very thankful to my former employer for referring me to Mr. Scharmen. He was able to help me in my legal situation and because of that, I have referred him to all of my friends that have found themselves in similar situations. When we went to court, I sat in the bench, waiting. I had my eyes closed because I was praying for a positive outcome. I felt someone put their hand on my shoulder. I looked up and an attorney who had been in the courtroom when we walked in asked me, “You came in with George, didn’t you?” I said, “Yes, sir.” He said, “You don’t have anything to worry about. He’s the best.” That day, my case was dismissed!!! I will always refer Mr. Scharmen because he treats you with respect and does absolutely everything within his abilities to help your case. In one of my meetings with him, I remember him saying, “Let’s get this taken care of so that you can work on improving yourself and taking care of yourself.” That was the moment at which I knew that he didn’t see me just as a client, but as an individual and I knew that he truly cared about me. I continue to refer him to anybody and everybody that I can. I will always be so thankful for him and all of his help. Also, I appreciate his office staff that do everything they can to help you and keep you informed of all proceedings. Elsa, his assistant, is wonderful and is always willing to lend an attentive ear and more importantly than that, a word of encouragement. These are the things that people need from their attorney’s office, especially when things might insurmountable. Thank you, Mr. Scharmen. You and your staff are the best!
Anonymous
★★★★★ Great Results
Mr. Scharmen has done a few cases for my family. I would highly recommend him. On all cases we came out winners. He is very professional and knows how to get the job done. Call Mr. Scharmen if you are ever in a corner and don’t know what to do. He has the right solution.
Laura
★★★★★
Five stars does not even come close to the experience I had with the Law Offices of George Scharmen. I would give one hundred stars if I could. George Scharmen and his Associate Sidney & paralegal Elsa were very friendly & informative from the beginning of my case to the end. I received the best possible results. I was always informed about my case whether it was by email or a phone call. I truly had someone on my side. If ever needed I would strongly recommend Mr. Scharmen and his office.
Anonymous
If you’re facing a dui/dwi you’re facing a serious situation and you need a serious attorney. Mr. Scharmen does his homework on your case and is not afraid to defend it. He treated me with respect and his staff and him never made me feel like a criminal like everyone else in the legal system. He exposed the state’s weak case and cleared me of all charges. He even saw to it that the whole incident was expunged from my record. Highly recommend!
Anonymous
George is the best DWI lawyer in South Texas. In a very frightening and uncertain time, his office is always available to answer questions and help navigate the complicated system. George is the most knowledgeable attorney in this area and always works to help his clients. As the laws are always evolving and the court systems become more and more complicated, George is able to work with his expertise to solve a very trying situation.
Anonymous
I am very happy with my decision to hire Mr. Scharmen. He is always available to answer my questions. He even gave me his cell phone number so I can text him. I am very comfortable with him as my lawyer.
Anonymous
